The Nintendo Switch, despite being released in early 2017, was without a dedicated online platform until September of 2018. It was then that Nintendo Switch Online was launched. Membership allows Switch users to play games online, access Nintendo's library of NES and SNES games, and use the service's mobile app. Nintendo provided free internet functionality in its games for years, so the transition to a paid platform appeared to be Nintendo's answer to similar services from Sony and Microsoft. Now, four years after the Switch's original release, the announcement of the Switch OLED Model and a handful of upcoming original titles could signify the start of a new chapter for Nintendo.

Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo's President, stated that there were over 26 million Online subscriptions in September of last year. Nintendo Switch Online is not without its problems, however, and the service has endured various criticisms from fans over the years. Complaints have been made about various aspects of Switch Online, ranging from the number of available features to quality-of-life issues in general. Switch Online won't start giving games for free, but there's a chance other considerations will be made by Nintendo. And although the OLED model's major changes are mostly cosmetic, now is the perfect time for Nintendo to revamp its Online service.

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The Nintendo Switch OLED's video announcement was met with a lukewarm reception. In the video, several new features were highlighted, including changes to the Switch's screen size and improved stand. More specifically, the previously 6.2-inch screen has been expanded to a full 7-inch OLED, which has reminded PS Vita owners of their old handhelds. But perhaps the most noticeable change is the upgraded dock. In addition to its sleek new look, the OLED's dock contains a built-in ethernet port for LAN play. Given that players have been forced to use a wireless connection for online features, this change is looking especially promising for Nintendo Switch Online.

One of Switch Online's biggest selling points is its library of NES and SNES games. Nintendo found major success with the Wii's Virtual Console and has continued to provide access to retro titles in its subsequent platforms. The Wii Virtual Console library peaked at 398 titles before its discontinuation in January 2019, and the Wii U Virtual Console is operational to this day. It would be great to see Switch Online provide its members access to Nintendo 64 games just as the Wii and the Wii U did. This, of course, depends on if Nintendo decides to produce Nintendo 64 Classic Consoles. Moreover, Switch Online could innovate by introducing titles from the Gamecube, something that has yet to be done by previous Nintendo consoles.

While the Switch's OLED model may not come with any internal changes, its versatility as both a handheld and a home gaming console would make it perfect for hosting Nintendo’s entire library. Old Nintendo DS games would work particularly well with OLED Switch's larger touch screen, and it's not as if there hasn't been any interest in older consoles; after its Metroid Dread announcement, fans began wondering where they could replay old Metroid games. The demand includes better-looking retro games, too. Nintendo Switch Online allows players to choose between three filters when playing retro games through the service – 4:3, picture-perfect, and CRT – and it would be great to replay sixth-generation games with enhanced visual options.

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The release of the OLED model is also an opportunity to revise the ways players communicate through Switch Online. Players currently have to download the Nintendo Switch Online mobile application if they want to use official means of voice communication. Voice chat on the app can be choppy and lacks the functionality of other communication programs, so many gamers have decided to use alternatives in its place. The now infamous Switch Party Chat Adapter was a failed attempt to better implement this functionality.

Updates launched in 2019, changing the Switch’s operating system that enabled online play invites to be sent from outside of games, but few titles besides Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition have utilized this feature. Most games on the console require Switch Online players to start the software before sending and accepting invites. It's unclear whether or not the OLED will use a modified operating system judging by Nintendo’s announcement video, but this would be a great opportunity to make changes to it. Enabling players to jump into games from the Switch’s interface is just one possibility: Nintendo could also bring back messaging systems like those on the Wii and Wii U. This would enable members of Nintendo Switch Online to send each other messages, screenshots, and more.

The Switch Pro was a rumored release for years, and even now it remains unclear whether or not Nintendo will be releasing a model with that exact name. Tuesday’s announcement gave fans a basic rundown of changes to the system, but at this point in time, little is known about the Switch OLED Model beyond what was seen in its introduction from Nintendo. Its October release date means that, in theory, there is still time to make last-minute changes. It’s looking like 4K video and fixes for Joycon drift won’t be happening any time soon, though.

What's more, it’s uncertain what Nintendo's plans are for other features like Switch Online. A number of new titles were announced at this year’s E3, but more and more of Nintendo's interests don't include video games. Whether it’s hiding quality of life improvements within an amiibo or even adapting Mario into a new animated series, what Nintendo decides to do in the future truly is subject to speculation. The OLED’s performance will, in any case, inform those decisions to some degree, and there may yet be hope for a Switch Pro or an online platform overhaul.

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model launches on October 8.

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